Are you aching to show-off a pretty pedicure in a cute sandal as much as I am? If so, you’ll appreciate today’s Fashion Friday spotlight on some of the sandals seen on the Spring/Summer 2014 runways. I know the thermometer appears to be in a perpetual state of frostbite in many places; however, as we waive good-bye to January, we can look forward to all of the spring fashion mag issues that will be hitting the newsstands within the next few weeks.

As always, they will feature all of the trends seen on the runways, from Anna Sui to Y-3. If you caught some of the runway shows, you know that the designers did not disappoint. Styles ranged from funky-chunky to modern-pretty. The variety is enough to make a girl sigh – ’Hhhhm!’

Of course, as we look forward to sandal season, we must not forget to get those footsies prepped and pampered. Those closest to me know that I am a big advocate for trips to the salon/spa. So, if your toes have taken a beating from winter’s chill, start showing them some love now.

Oh my! While I am writing this blog, the news is predicting yet another snowstorm heading my way! I would start crying if I wasn’t in such a sandal footwear fashion frenzy.

Anyway, have a great weekend and go Dallas Cowboys! Oh right—well, a DC fan can always dream.

We’re almost at the weekend, and everyone is getting ready for the big game! If you plan on hosting a game day bash, don’t forget about the vegetarians on your guest list. Of course, what would a Superbowl party be without pigs-in-a-blanket, wings, and burgers? However, there are also plenty of delicious vegan recipes available that will please both ‘carnivores’ and ‘herbivores’ alike!

Vegetarian pizza or mini eggplant bites will go over well for all pizza lovers. Tex-mex fans will be cheering you on when you serve jalapeno peppers stuffed with monterey jack and cheddar cheese. Plus, what’s a football party without stuffed potato skins? Finally, to top it all off you can’t forget to have a little sweet for the ‘sweets.’ A fruit tart or apple dumplings will do just nicely, thank you.

Of course, the ideas are endless. With just a little click of the mouse, you can find a wealth of delicious vegetarian recipes that will fit well into your menu for Sunday’s game, and will have your guests crowning you MVP!

If you are a bride-to-be this upcoming wedding season, there’s no doubt that you are in the thick of your planning activities. I’m also sure that you want your wedding to reflect who you are as a couple down to the smallest detail, including the garter you will wear.

Although usually saved for the, ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’ category, the garter can be a fun or thoughtful statement piece that reveals what’s important to you. Garters draped in feathers, ribbons or colored jewels may be something to consider if you are a ’fashion-forward’ bride and groom. Are you and your fiance sport and game enthusiasts? How about wearing a garter donning your favorite sports team or pastime, like sailing. Of course, with comic books taking over the big screen this last decade, you could also represent your (and his) favorite superhero. Additionally, there’s nothing like showing your support for your favorite cause whenever possible, and using your garter to do so will definitely put a spotlight on it.

Like the idea of of having a ‘themed’ garter for your wedding, but need some inspiration? No worries. I am sure the groom-to-be will more than willing to offer some suggestions.

Is it the final week of January already? Before you know it, Valentine’s Day will be here, and if you are in need of some ideas, you can never beat a romantic dinner for two—especially when it’s a DIY romantic dinner.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having dinner at an elegant restaurant. However, there’s something to be said for doing it yourself—even if your cooking skills are not that great. Just remember that it’s all in the presentation.

One way to guarantee a romantic tablescape is to create beautifully folded dinner napkins. Depending on the mood you want to set, you can choose to make the classic ‘rose,’ or the stately ‘pyramid,’ or the playful ‘rabbit.’ Even if your menu is a budget-friendly one, gorgeous table linen, pretty flatware, and the right lighting can make it look like five-star dinning. Plus, your special guest will appreciate the extra effort you took in making sure their dinner experience is a memorable one.

So, let the creativity flow, and the fun flourish as you prepare for the most ‘LOVE-ly’ day on the calendar.

Many of you may know that I am a big Dallas Cowboys fans, and although my favorite team did not make it to the Superbowl this year, I still choose to celebrate the spirit of the sport. What better way to celebrate than to flaunt your fave team in your fashions!

Jerseys, hats, t-shirts, or sweatshirts, rock your team’s colors or their logos in YOUR signature color as you countdown to game day! Or, if you are not big on wearing sports-themed clothing, you can still show your love for your team by just wearing their colors.

So, as you make your Superbowl preparations this week, show your game day support, but don’t forget to do it, chic!

As an event designer, I always pride myself on providing my brides up-to-the-minute information that will help them with the planning process. If I don’t have the information available to me, I make sure to connect them to the ones who do. One of those sources are my friends at Wedding Lovely.

Wedding Lovely is a great site that offers so much for those needing help with all things wedding-related. From invitations to event designers, their vendor guide provides an amazing directory of wedding industry professionals across the country—including yours truly. Tracy Osborn, founder of Wedding Lovely created the site because she believes that weddings should be joyous, stress-free and a celebration of love, and TCE could not agree more.

From cake to couture or dresses to decor, one visit to http://www.weddinglovely.com will make brides breath a sigh of relief as they prepare to say, ‘I do!’

Yes, this is me stuttering due to the overwhelming frigid air in my part of the world! If you are in the warmer parts of the globe, please send some sunshine rays my way. To my fellow snow bunnies, if you need an idea for a cold weather meal, nothing beats the fun and comfort of fondue. Although fondue can be enjoyed in any type of weather, you can enjoy it especially during the winter season.

Many of you may frequent some of the more well-known national fondue restaurant chains. However, it is quite easy to make at home—and less costly, which is always a bonus. Plus, when at home, you can make up some of your own cheese fondue recipes that will appeal more to your family’s taste. For example, if your family’s favorite cuisine is Mexican, you can create or find a ‘con queso’ fondue recipe that will make their mouths water! Parents, if you find it hard to encourage your little ones to eat their vegetables, broccoli dipped in fondue might be the answer to your dilemma. Of course, my most favorite reason for the love of fondue is that it allows full participation in the dining experience for everyone you’re entertaining—and melted chocolate!

So, although you may be waiting with baited breath for the thermometer to rise, ‘fonduing’ can give you a BUFFET of reasons to enjoy these long cold evenings inside. Skewers up!

This period of the year can be a little humdrum as the holiday season is over, but we’ve not yet reached the transition between winter and spring. With that being said, you may be in need of some home decor ideas that can take you all the way into the start of the next season. Dried fruits and herbs are great options.

Citrus fruits, apples, and pears, cinnamon sticks, basil and vanilla are just some of nature’s bounty that can provide both aromatic and visual aesthetics to your home. Given that dried fruits can be a little expensive to purchase, you can opt to dry your own fruits, or invest in a dried fruit maker to cut costs. Of course, there is always the option to purchase pre-made potpourri, but it may not provide the variety that you can create by designing your own decor.

Either way, using dried fruits and herbs for decor can give you (and your home) that much needed pick-me-up for the mid-season doldrums.

Yesterday was ‘Throwback Thursday,’ the same day the AMPAS dished out Oscar nominations for the best of 2013 releases. Ironically, one of the films leading the nominations is American Hustle, which takes place during the height of the disco era. Since the film stars several popular actors, and the 2014 spring and summer runways featured fashion influenced by the decade, I am sure that we will see many 70′s fashion throwbacks on the streets over the next several months.

However, the influence of the ‘Polyester Period’ really hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s actually evolved and remained a mainstay from a lesser to a greater degree. From makeup to nail color, from floppy beach hats to platform stilettos, the 1970′s has left a permanent mark on fashion trends. Plus, it offers an array of hippy and trippy looks to make your own—for the 21st century of course.

So, take a look in your, or your mother’s, or your grandmother’s closet to see what you can rock as a redux for a groovy fashion statement!

To celebrate the start of the 2014 wedding season, we are sponsoring the ‘Put A Ring On It Pampered Bride’ contest via Instagram.

Every bride deserves to be pampered on her special day. Especially when it’s free! Submit a photo of you rocking your engagement ring and donning your favorite nail color from now until midnight on January 24, 2014 for a chance to win one of three Pamper Perfect Mobile gift certificates for a free manicure, pedicure and 60 minute massage before your nuptials. Upload your photo using hashtag #TCEpamperedbride, and like @tiffanychalkevents and @pamperperfect. Remember, the contest ends at midnight on January 24th, so let’s go!!!

Welcome to my blog Tiffany Chalks it Up! I'm so thrilled to share my tidbits for pulling off a wedding that's all about you, touting all the latest trends in everything from accessories to stationery and putting all those adorable little details that get me excited about weddings and events out there for all of you to see! Chalk it up to my love for a great bargain or to my inner fashionista, but when it comes to planning your event, savvy and stylish is the name of the game. Here's to planning your day, and looking good while doing it.